Alabama

6:09 pm

Tue May 22, 2012

Alabama Senate Nearing Vote On Senate Districts

Montgomery, AL – Republicans in the Alabama Senate say they have the votes to approve new Senate districts that could increase GOP membership in the Senate.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said the proposed districts could boost the number of Republicans in the 35-member Senate from 22 to 27.

A Democrat opposed to the plan has had the Senate read aloud the 333-page document outlining the districts. The reading started Monday evening and should end Tuesday night. Then the Senate will vote. Sen. Marc Keahey of Grove Hill said the Republican plan will reduce the number of black voters in his district and in some other districts represented by white Democrats. He says that will help Republicans win those districts in the 2014 elections.